Empowered Minds - Wildlife Conservation and the Role of Zoos

Conservationist Beth Armstrong discusses the ever increasing role that zoo’s play in supporting field conservation efforts around the world. As the first Field Conservation Coordinator at the Columbus Zoo in the mid 1990’s, Beth offers a unique perspective on how zoos have evolved over the last 30 years.  She will also discuss initiating the conservation program at the Brevard Zoo, a small Florida zoo that made a big impact on conservation. She will further discuss projects she has implemented that are influencing the next generation of conservationists within the zoo community, as well as how you as an individual can be a conservationist in your daily life.

Beth Armstrong began her career as a keeper at the Columbus Zoo in 1980, eventually working her way up to Head-keeper of gorillas and then Field Conservation Coordinator. While in the gorilla department, she was instrumental in the creation of the Surrogate Gorilla Husbandry Program, promotion of mother/father rearing of infant gorillas and in the overall change in philosophy and husbandry approach to captive gorillas.   Beth is the author of Voices From the Ape House (2020).  

This in-person program is part of our lifelong learning series, Empowered Minds. The focus of this signature service is healthy aging and enrichment for the retirement-age citizens of Licking County. All adults are welcome and registration is free. Empowered Minds is supported by a sustaining gift from Robert Trimble Jr., a lifelong learner, and in part by the Licking County Senior Levy. Donations are appreciated.